Chief Vows Justice For South Jersey Shooting Victim; Suspect Still Sought

WOODBURY, NJ — Woodbury's police chief vowed to get justice for a man shot dead on Wednesday afternoon, and thanked the public for their support and information in the investigation.

Officials have not identified a suspect in the death of 21-year-old Brandon L. Blanton. City police found Blanton in the area of Franklin and Wallace streets around 2:41 p.m. The Woodbury resident had multiple gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, officials said.

The shooting took place in a residential area, about a quarter-mile from the police station.

Chief Thomas R. Ryan assured the public that officials would get justice for Blanton and thanked neighbors for their help investigating.

"Without the strong bond and relationship between our Police and our public we would never have been able to progress as aggressively as we are in this complex investigation," he said.

Ryan said the public "continues to step up with support through providing information, camera footage and support to our men and women in blue, as we seek justice for this victim." Original article: Man, 21, Dead In Woodbury Shooting; Authorities Seek Suspect

Ryan also said the police and community will work together to "restore our quality of life and sense of security that we all know and you deserve."

Ryan said police officers will have an increased presence while the investigation continues, and thanked other law enforcement agencies for helping keep the city safe.

"Woodbury has always shown that we will not let one random act rock our sense of community, pride and safety," he wrote.

Blanton is a former Woodbury City Public Schools student, the district said.

"The experience of gun violence can undoubtedly have a traumatic effect on students and our community as a whole," Superintendent Andrew T. Bell Sr. wrote.

The district offered support to students at the High School counseling office between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Bell said.

Anyone with information about the incident, or neighbors who have camera footage, are asked to contact Sargent John Petroski of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-498-6238 or Detective Corporal Nick Cacciola of the Woodbury City Police Department at 609-221-6721.

Information can also be e-mailed to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.